A Healing Use for Sandbags

In New South Wales, Australia, along the southern coast, lays the Tomaga River, which opens up to the Tasman Sea of the South Pacific Ocean. The Tomaga Estuary’s fish habitats have been declining in recent years, and the banks have been eroding.

The Australian Government has funded a group called “The Green Army”, who’s primary purpose is to restore natural environments all over Australia. The Bateman’s Bay region Green Army, comprised of people ages 17 to 24, will be working to restore the Tomaga Estuary in the Eurobadalla Shire beginning next week.

The group will initially place sandbags to control erosion along the eroded bank. This will first, prevent further erosion; and second will allow the bank to build up behind them. This part of the project will take the group approximately two weeks. In addition, the group will plant low growing plants on the bank.

Several weeks later, the second phase of the project will take place. The group will plant mangrove seeds on the water side of the sand bags. The mangroves will not only prevent erosion, but will also filter the water, maintaining water quality. In addition, they provide a habitat for wildlife that is native to the estuary.

The estuary provides a recreational fishing haven but is protected from commercial fishing. It is important to the areas wildlife, as many species call it home. The water quality is very good, and the majority of the area is undeveloped.

The project to restore the estuary is not only good for the local environment, but also is providing the young adults with important and valuable skills. It’s a wonderful relationship that improves the future of not only the environment, but also the young people involved.